Kleiboeker Family Tree - Person Sheet
Kleiboeker Family Tree - Person Sheet
NameHubert Herbert Kleiboeker 
Birth22 Dec 1922, Wentworth, Lawrence Co, MO
BurialTrinity Luth, Freistatt, Lawrence Co, MO
Death15 Mar 1945, Utweiler, Saarland, Germany
Death15 Mar 1945, BDied in W W II killed in action in Germany
Father“August” Henry Kleiboeker (1879-1961)
MotherHulda Helena Rusch (1884-1952)
Notes for Hubert Herbert Kleiboeker
Hubert was killed in WWII at Utweiler Germany as a result of German artillery fire. This is just southwest of the city of Saarbrucken.
His body was later transferred to the USA, and is now buried in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Freistatt, MO.
“France sure has caught a lot of heck in this war. One can’t imagine what it looks like till one sees it. I sure am glad there is no bombing going on in the states. I guess the people here really do have a tuff life, the way things look. There are lot of French wearing wooden shoes. I sure am glad that I know the folks at home don’t have to put up with anything like that. The people at home aren’t thankful enough for the way they can live. If I get back now I will be satisfied with most anything.”
Letter from Hubert Kleiboeker to his sisters, Elda and Leona; Jan 22 1945
Hubert Kleiboeker was born on Dec 22, 1922, so he was 23 years old and a month when he wrote this from France. Hubert, known to the family as Hubie (often spelled “Hubbie” when he signed his letters) was drafted into the Armed Services on August 3, 1944. He participated in basic training at Camp Hood, Texas (between Dallas and Austin) and also trained at Camp Mead, in Maryland near Washington DC to become a rifleman in the US Army. After a few days home at Christmas and New Year, he went by plane to NY, then boat to Europe, and by train to Colmar, France, near the French-German border.
“Yesterday they made me second in command of our squad. I have to help the Sgt. check the men in our squad to see that they have enough ammo, etc. If I do a good job of it maybe some day I will get a rating.”
Letter from Hubie to Elda; March 1, 1945, France
By squad, Hubie is referring to his squad of 9-10 soldiers, which is typically commanded by a sergeant or staff sergeant. A platoon is made up of 2 to 4 squads and led by a Lieutenant. Hubie was in F company. A company is usually made up of 3 to 5 platoons, which encompasses 60-100 soldiers. A battalion is made up of 4 to 6 companies and is led by a Lieutenant Colonel.
“Did I ever tell what division I am in? I don’t know whether this will go through or not, but I will try it. I am in the third division. You probably have read a lot about it. It is the oldest division over here. We have won many medal(s) of honor. If I ever get home, I will be wearing lots of medals and ribbons.”
Letter from Hubie to Elda; March 1, 1945, France
Hubie’s reference to “this will go through or not” involves the censors that looked at every piece of mail sent from Europe. The US was quite concerned that information about troop movement and structure not be shared with any potential enemy spies. Hubie was assigned to the F (Fox) Company of the 2nd battalion of the 7th Infantry Regiment. This Regiment was part of the US Army’s Third Division. The 7th infantry had 3 battalions during this phase of World War II. The 7th army fought their first battles of WWII in northern Africa. Then they were lead by General George Patton during their invasion of Sicily. After fighting in Italy, the 7th army, now under General Patch, landed in the South of France in 1944 and worked their way up the Rhone river heading north, fighting pockets of German resistance. In early January of 1945, when Hubie joined the outfit, the 7th army was fighting the “Colmar Pocket”, and then subsequently took on the Germans at their border at the famous “Siegfried Line”. This is where Hubie was killed, in Utweiler, Germany. I have the complete history of the 7th army, but two chapters are included here, which describe the army’s activities while Hubie was involved.
“Did you read any thing about Colmar in the papers? I have been there. If they had half as much in the papers at home as they did here, you probably read a plenty.”
Letter from Hubert Kleiboeker to Elda; March 1, 1945, France
Hubie landed in France during one of Europe’s worst snow seasons. This was the time of the battle of the bulge, and lucky for Hubie, he was not farther north, involved in that battle. His first role must have been that of holding a defensive line near Colmar, but soon after that, in fact the night of the day the following letter was written, he was asked to go into the first offensive attack of the Colmar Pocket operation starting the night of Jan 22.
“The weather here is pretty cold and plenty snowy. We have a foot of snow now and it snows almost every day. But we have a barracks to live in. It is not very good and not much heat. But we manage to keep warm. And our meals are pretty good. But I would like for you to send me some candy and cookies if you please. I am feeling fine. Don’t worry about me.”
letter to Elda and Leona of Jan 22 1945
According to the history of the 7th Army: “(The 7th Army)… moved to firing positions and concentration areas during the night of 21-22 January without incident……Final check of all personnel was made in the concentration areas. Canteens were filled. Wearing the white “spook suit” each individual carried one “K” ration, and the bothersome gas mask, besides firing weapons. Each rifleman carried four bandoliers of ammunition and a minimum of two fragmentation grenades.”
A second attack during the Colmar Pocket was made on January 29th. Here the history book continues: “While the “Cotton Balers” (nickname of the 7th Army) waited in the snow covered woods for the next attack, they suffered much from the cold. The bunker positions formerly used by the Germans, were used to the fullest extent, but there were not enough of them to house all the men. A few tents were pitched, but many of them slept in the snow fox holes and utilized tree branches as best they could…. The Regimental Surgeon made an inspection of the battalions on the 27th Jan and reported that there were at least 200 cases of frozen feet. The worst cases were sent to receive medical care”
On 2-5 February, Major General O’Daniel, did not give the 7th infantry much rest before committing them again to a phase three of the Colmar Pocket attack. In this battle, Hubie’s company F, under the direction of Captain Earl F. Swanson were the reserve rifle companies of the battle, so were not directly under fire in this 3rd wave.
From Hubie’s obituary, a letter from Hubie to his pastor in Freistatt states:
“I have been in combat. At times it gets really rough. Without the help of the Lord, one could never go through what I have gone through. The Lord surely protected me. I have prayed more the last few weeks than I ever did before…”
Letters to Pastor Steunkel in Freistatt dated 14 & 28 Feb, 1945
After the battle of Colmar, the 7th Army conducted it’s second “Watch on the Rhine” from the 8th to the 18th of February. As a result of the Colmar Pocket operation, they had now taken all territory west of the Rhine River in this part of France, and pushed the Germans back over to the German side of the Rhine. Patrols operated between manned “outposts and listening posts” along the river. Artillery and mortar fire were fired across the Rhine into Germany, but little activity or contact occurred, mostly small incidents as both sides kept watch on each other.
On the 19th of February, the 7th army began moving away from Colmar, and to the north of the town of Nancy, France. There, the Army set up rest camps.
“ They told me I could go to rest camp tomorrow. I will be there about five days. And I won’t have anything to do. They have dances and movies every day so that should really be life. Oh yes, and they have showers so we can take a bath every day. If I don’t go to many dances, I will try and write you or Leona every day. How will that be? That sure is a surprise to(o). That they are letting me go already. I have just been with the company about a month. Some of the boys here were here for three months before they got to go. I guess I am just lucky. But you know old Hub, he gets around. The only thing I don’t like about going to rest camp is that I won’t get any mail till I get back to the my company. But I guess I can wait five more days, cause I can use the rest. Maybe I better tell you how this works. Every four days one man from our platoon get to go to rest camp.”
letter from Hubie to Elda continues; Feb 23, 1945, France
From the 7th Infantry History:
“Early 19 February, 1945, the 7th Infantry commenced movement by motor, from the Rhineland to rest areas, north of Nancy, France…. The Regiment rested and rehabilitated its troops the first few days in the new area. “Cotton Balers” received a hearty welcome by the populace in the towns of the province of Lorraine, where they were billeted in the homes of people and public buildings. Moving pictures and shows were provided for the men and each company held dances which were attended by the old and young “belles” of Lorraine, who quickly learned the American “jitterbug” steps and enjoyed the dances. Passes were given to the men to visit the historic city of Nancy. Sundays were devoted to religious services.”
Starting Feb 26, the 7th Army began training for the next phase of their campaign. Although Hubie didn’t know it at the time, the generals planned this rest and training time to get ready for some of the most difficult fighting of the war. The Americans were about to engage the Germans at their own border. They wanted to ensure that the troops were well rested, and trained for combat in villages and streets.
The riflemen of the 7th Army were to take on the revered “Siegfried Line”. This defensive line at the German border was a defense system stretching more than 630 km (390 mi) with more than 18,000 bunkers, tunnels and tank traps. It stretched from Holland in the North to Switzerland in the South. More with propaganda in mind than for any strategic reason, Adolf Hitler planned the line from 1936 and had it built between 1938 and 1940. The bunkers had a ceiling and walls 5 ft thick, but this was proved completely insufficient even before construction was finished. A total of 3,471 bunkers were built along the entire length of the Siegfried Line. The bunkers had a central room or shelter for 10 to 12 men. Another section had openings at the front and sides for machine guns, and a separate entrance. Tank traps were also built for miles along the Siegfried Line and were known as " dragon’s teeth” or "pimples" (in German Höcker, "humps") because of their shape. These blocks of reinforced concrete stand in several rows on a single foundation. Another design of tank obstacle was made by welding together several bars of steel in such a way that any tank rolling over it would be penetrated in its weak bottom armor. If the lie of the land allowed it, water-filled ditches were dug instead of tank traps.
“I am now at rest camp. I am going to take Communion while I am here….” “Chaplain Grapatin is here and he is ready to go to the church so I will have to close. The the Leaguers Hello for me…. Your church member, Hubert.
Letter from Hubie to Pastor Stuenkel; Feb 28, 1945, France
“I guess you think it is about time I write to you. This is Thursday morn. I am at rest camp. I will be here till noon tomorrow. It is about 9 o’clock. I have just got done eating breakfast. I bet you think I am really getting lazy. This is the best rest I have had for a long time. We are off the lines now but may go back any day. But I hope we don’t”
“I suppose Leona has told you about my surprise meeting Chaplain Graptain (J. W. Grapatin). I went up and talk (ed) with him last night. I am going to take communion this afternoon. That will be the first time I took communion since I left home.”
Letter from Hubie to Elda; March 1, 1945, France
After Hubie wrote these letters, according to the 7th Army History, he was involved in training from March 2 to March 15th. “On 2 March, a more intensive program of training was initiated with eight hours per day devoted to weapons training and small unit problems in the attack and defense. One third of the training was conducted during the hours of darkness. Emphasis was placed on ‘village and street fighting’ which took place in Pournoy la Chetive, where a ‘typical’ Germany village was set up. Demonstrations of street fighting by selected personnel preceded the use of the village by small unit formations of the battalions. Full use was made of demolitions, grenades, rocket launchers, flame throwers, and other infantry weapons. Tank destroyers were used in the exercises. Every measure was taken to make the problems as realistic as possible of the new members of the regiment. During the night training, ‘artificial moonlight’ was used. Anti tank …training was begun with the rocket launcher, better known as the ‘bazooka’.”
I encourage you now to read the three accounts included in this website of the battle of Utweiler where Hubie lost his life. I would start with Professor Reitan’s story, as it is well written. Then I would suggest Robert Cook’s memories of the Utweiler battle, who was also in F company with Hubie. Finally I would read the 7th army history, pages 235– 240. It is more detailed and factual, and does mention Hubie by name. It is a fascinating story and it appears that Hubie lost his life in one of the worst battles in which the 7th Army participated. He and his F company attempted to arrive in Utweiler after crossing a German mine field, that was supposed to have been cleared. A number of Hubie’s fellow soldiers lost their lives in the mine field. From the military records, Hubie was hit by German artillery fire, and died on the battlefield, most likely in the village of Utweiler on March 15, 1945. He was buried initially in St. Avold Cemetery, France, Plot 1, row 11 grave 1284 before being transferred back to Freistatt’s Trinity Lutheran Cemetery where he now rests.
Excerpts from 3rd Division, 7th Infantry Regiment History
At about 0730 on March 15, 1945 in Uweiler, Germany, the enemy directed flak wagon fire and fire from self-propelled guns at the Second Battalion forces and then at about 0800 closed in on the town with a combination of four flak wagons and nine tanks and tank destroyers, which included two "Tigers". It was a tough situation to be in without support of any kind. Attached armor had not gotten through to the battalion and without communication, artillery could not be called into play. That was the fundamental reason for the almost complete destruction of Lieutenant Colonel Duncan's battalion that day,
The Second Battalion had gone into the night attack with 640 officers and men and in the space of several hours had been reduced to 184 scattered and ineffective personnel. Records compiled later showed that of the 456 personnel missing, 21 had been killed in the action, 72 wounded and evacuated, 17 missing and 222 had been taken prisoners by the enemy. "Fox" Company had sustained the greatest losses. Captain Earl E. Swanson, one of the ablest company commanders to lead a "Cotton Baler" rifle company during this war and who had risen from the grade of private, and First Lieutenant Robert W. Rankin, with thirteen of their men, gave their lives by the mines or exploding enemy shells.
Excerpts from Bob Cook's book "Just a Dog Face Soldier"
As I remember, we started about 3 a.m. and were held up for awhile because of the minefield, which had not been cleared and marked as it was supposed to be. Somehow, many of us made it through the minefield, mortar fire, and artillery fire and into Utweiler. I didn't know Capt. Swanson, our CO or Lt. Rankin, our Platoon Leader, very well, but it was really sad that they didn't make it. Both were good officers and both were killed in the minefield. There were 8 or 10 of us who ended up in a church with our squad leader, Sgt. Jacob Cohen. We soon began receiving rifle and tank fire and one tank shell actually came in a window and ended up on the floor - a DUD! One of the guys, Radford Arms, a tobacco-chewing Southerner, said later after seeing the dud, "I dang near swallered my tabacca!" In the church with us, were 4 or 5 German prisoners, including several that were wounded who had been attended to by one of our guys.
About 11 AM when I was at a window firing at a German coming around a nearby building, Sgt. Cohen yelled at me, "Stop shooting-we're going to have to surrender!" Now I had many thoughts about getting wounded or killed, but never about surrendering. One of the Germans indicated that he would go to the entrance and signal the Jerries that we were giving up. As he stepped outside, we heard a burp gun open up and the poor fellow was killed on the spot by one of his own.
Shortly after, an SS officer came in with several infantrymen and he was waving a potato-masher grenade over his head and yelling, "Amerika is kaput!". He proceeded to argue with one of the German prisoners in a loud and threatening voice. Later, one of our guys who could understand German said that he wanted to kill us all, but was talked out of it by one of our prisoners who told him we had taken good care of their wounded. We were, then, marched out of town, picking up other groups from our company and battalion. A small shell fragment had hit me in my left leg as we went through the minefield but I was able to walk and I didn't want to report it for fear of having to leave the group and then not getting back with them. I still have that fragment in my leg but it doesn't bother me. We were then marched as POWs until we were liberated in the small town of Ettringen just west of Munich on April 30.
We are indebted to all the young US soldiers who gave their lives for us, but especially to Hubie. He appeared so full of life and energy and was blessed with a generous heart who clearly from his letters, was very close to all of us. We can be proud to have had such a great relative!
Dennis R. Kruse
Nephew of Uncle Hubert
August 30, 2010
His body was later transferred to the USA, and is now buried in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Freistatt, MO.
“France sure has caught a lot of heck in this war. One can’t imagine what it looks like till one sees it. I sure am glad there is no bombing going on in the states. I guess the people here really do have a tuff life, the way things look. There are lot of French wearing wooden shoes. I sure am glad that I know the folks at home don’t have to put up with anything like that. The people at home aren’t thankful enough for the way they can live. If I get back now I will be satisfied with most anything.”
Letter from Hubert Kleiboeker to his sisters, Elda and Leona; Jan 22 1945
Hubert Kleiboeker was born on Dec 22, 1922, so he was 23 years old and a month when he wrote this from France. Hubert, known to the family as Hubie (often spelled “Hubbie” when he signed his letters) was drafted into the Armed Services on August 3, 1944. He participated in basic training at Camp Hood, Texas (between Dallas and Austin) and also trained at Camp Mead, in Maryland near Washington DC to become a rifleman in the US Army. After a few days home at Christmas and New Year, he went by plane to NY, then boat to Europe, and by train to Colmar, France, near the French-German border.
“Yesterday they made me second in command of our squad. I have to help the Sgt. check the men in our squad to see that they have enough ammo, etc. If I do a good job of it maybe some day I will get a rating.”
Letter from Hubie to Elda; March 1, 1945, France
By squad, Hubie is referring to his squad of 9-10 soldiers, which is typically commanded by a sergeant or staff sergeant. A platoon is made up of 2 to 4 squads and led by a Lieutenant. Hubie was in F company. A company is usually made up of 3 to 5 platoons, which encompasses 60-100 soldiers. A battalion is made up of 4 to 6 companies and is led by a Lieutenant Colonel.
“Did I ever tell what division I am in? I don’t know whether this will go through or not, but I will try it. I am in the third division. You probably have read a lot about it. It is the oldest division over here. We have won many medal(s) of honor. If I ever get home, I will be wearing lots of medals and ribbons.”
Letter from Hubie to Elda; March 1, 1945, France
Hubie’s reference to “this will go through or not” involves the censors that looked at every piece of mail sent from Europe. The US was quite concerned that information about troop movement and structure not be shared with any potential enemy spies. Hubie was assigned to the F (Fox) Company of the 2nd battalion of the 7th Infantry Regiment. This Regiment was part of the US Army’s Third Division. The 7th infantry had 3 battalions during this phase of World War II. The 7th army fought their first battles of WWII in northern Africa. Then they were lead by General George Patton during their invasion of Sicily. After fighting in Italy, the 7th army, now under General Patch, landed in the South of France in 1944 and worked their way up the Rhone river heading north, fighting pockets of German resistance. In early January of 1945, when Hubie joined the outfit, the 7th army was fighting the “Colmar Pocket”, and then subsequently took on the Germans at their border at the famous “Siegfried Line”. This is where Hubie was killed, in Utweiler, Germany. I have the complete history of the 7th army, but two chapters are included here, which describe the army’s activities while Hubie was involved.
“Did you read any thing about Colmar in the papers? I have been there. If they had half as much in the papers at home as they did here, you probably read a plenty.”
Letter from Hubert Kleiboeker to Elda; March 1, 1945, France
Hubie landed in France during one of Europe’s worst snow seasons. This was the time of the battle of the bulge, and lucky for Hubie, he was not farther north, involved in that battle. His first role must have been that of holding a defensive line near Colmar, but soon after that, in fact the night of the day the following letter was written, he was asked to go into the first offensive attack of the Colmar Pocket operation starting the night of Jan 22.
“The weather here is pretty cold and plenty snowy. We have a foot of snow now and it snows almost every day. But we have a barracks to live in. It is not very good and not much heat. But we manage to keep warm. And our meals are pretty good. But I would like for you to send me some candy and cookies if you please. I am feeling fine. Don’t worry about me.”
letter to Elda and Leona of Jan 22 1945
According to the history of the 7th Army: “(The 7th Army)… moved to firing positions and concentration areas during the night of 21-22 January without incident……Final check of all personnel was made in the concentration areas. Canteens were filled. Wearing the white “spook suit” each individual carried one “K” ration, and the bothersome gas mask, besides firing weapons. Each rifleman carried four bandoliers of ammunition and a minimum of two fragmentation grenades.”
A second attack during the Colmar Pocket was made on January 29th. Here the history book continues: “While the “Cotton Balers” (nickname of the 7th Army) waited in the snow covered woods for the next attack, they suffered much from the cold. The bunker positions formerly used by the Germans, were used to the fullest extent, but there were not enough of them to house all the men. A few tents were pitched, but many of them slept in the snow fox holes and utilized tree branches as best they could…. The Regimental Surgeon made an inspection of the battalions on the 27th Jan and reported that there were at least 200 cases of frozen feet. The worst cases were sent to receive medical care”
On 2-5 February, Major General O’Daniel, did not give the 7th infantry much rest before committing them again to a phase three of the Colmar Pocket attack. In this battle, Hubie’s company F, under the direction of Captain Earl F. Swanson were the reserve rifle companies of the battle, so were not directly under fire in this 3rd wave.
From Hubie’s obituary, a letter from Hubie to his pastor in Freistatt states:
“I have been in combat. At times it gets really rough. Without the help of the Lord, one could never go through what I have gone through. The Lord surely protected me. I have prayed more the last few weeks than I ever did before…”
Letters to Pastor Steunkel in Freistatt dated 14 & 28 Feb, 1945
After the battle of Colmar, the 7th Army conducted it’s second “Watch on the Rhine” from the 8th to the 18th of February. As a result of the Colmar Pocket operation, they had now taken all territory west of the Rhine River in this part of France, and pushed the Germans back over to the German side of the Rhine. Patrols operated between manned “outposts and listening posts” along the river. Artillery and mortar fire were fired across the Rhine into Germany, but little activity or contact occurred, mostly small incidents as both sides kept watch on each other.
On the 19th of February, the 7th army began moving away from Colmar, and to the north of the town of Nancy, France. There, the Army set up rest camps.
“ They told me I could go to rest camp tomorrow. I will be there about five days. And I won’t have anything to do. They have dances and movies every day so that should really be life. Oh yes, and they have showers so we can take a bath every day. If I don’t go to many dances, I will try and write you or Leona every day. How will that be? That sure is a surprise to(o). That they are letting me go already. I have just been with the company about a month. Some of the boys here were here for three months before they got to go. I guess I am just lucky. But you know old Hub, he gets around. The only thing I don’t like about going to rest camp is that I won’t get any mail till I get back to the my company. But I guess I can wait five more days, cause I can use the rest. Maybe I better tell you how this works. Every four days one man from our platoon get to go to rest camp.”
letter from Hubie to Elda continues; Feb 23, 1945, France
From the 7th Infantry History:
“Early 19 February, 1945, the 7th Infantry commenced movement by motor, from the Rhineland to rest areas, north of Nancy, France…. The Regiment rested and rehabilitated its troops the first few days in the new area. “Cotton Balers” received a hearty welcome by the populace in the towns of the province of Lorraine, where they were billeted in the homes of people and public buildings. Moving pictures and shows were provided for the men and each company held dances which were attended by the old and young “belles” of Lorraine, who quickly learned the American “jitterbug” steps and enjoyed the dances. Passes were given to the men to visit the historic city of Nancy. Sundays were devoted to religious services.”
Starting Feb 26, the 7th Army began training for the next phase of their campaign. Although Hubie didn’t know it at the time, the generals planned this rest and training time to get ready for some of the most difficult fighting of the war. The Americans were about to engage the Germans at their own border. They wanted to ensure that the troops were well rested, and trained for combat in villages and streets.
The riflemen of the 7th Army were to take on the revered “Siegfried Line”. This defensive line at the German border was a defense system stretching more than 630 km (390 mi) with more than 18,000 bunkers, tunnels and tank traps. It stretched from Holland in the North to Switzerland in the South. More with propaganda in mind than for any strategic reason, Adolf Hitler planned the line from 1936 and had it built between 1938 and 1940. The bunkers had a ceiling and walls 5 ft thick, but this was proved completely insufficient even before construction was finished. A total of 3,471 bunkers were built along the entire length of the Siegfried Line. The bunkers had a central room or shelter for 10 to 12 men. Another section had openings at the front and sides for machine guns, and a separate entrance. Tank traps were also built for miles along the Siegfried Line and were known as " dragon’s teeth” or "pimples" (in German Höcker, "humps") because of their shape. These blocks of reinforced concrete stand in several rows on a single foundation. Another design of tank obstacle was made by welding together several bars of steel in such a way that any tank rolling over it would be penetrated in its weak bottom armor. If the lie of the land allowed it, water-filled ditches were dug instead of tank traps.
“I am now at rest camp. I am going to take Communion while I am here….” “Chaplain Grapatin is here and he is ready to go to the church so I will have to close. The the Leaguers Hello for me…. Your church member, Hubert.
Letter from Hubie to Pastor Stuenkel; Feb 28, 1945, France
“I guess you think it is about time I write to you. This is Thursday morn. I am at rest camp. I will be here till noon tomorrow. It is about 9 o’clock. I have just got done eating breakfast. I bet you think I am really getting lazy. This is the best rest I have had for a long time. We are off the lines now but may go back any day. But I hope we don’t”
“I suppose Leona has told you about my surprise meeting Chaplain Graptain (J. W. Grapatin). I went up and talk (ed) with him last night. I am going to take communion this afternoon. That will be the first time I took communion since I left home.”
Letter from Hubie to Elda; March 1, 1945, France
After Hubie wrote these letters, according to the 7th Army History, he was involved in training from March 2 to March 15th. “On 2 March, a more intensive program of training was initiated with eight hours per day devoted to weapons training and small unit problems in the attack and defense. One third of the training was conducted during the hours of darkness. Emphasis was placed on ‘village and street fighting’ which took place in Pournoy la Chetive, where a ‘typical’ Germany village was set up. Demonstrations of street fighting by selected personnel preceded the use of the village by small unit formations of the battalions. Full use was made of demolitions, grenades, rocket launchers, flame throwers, and other infantry weapons. Tank destroyers were used in the exercises. Every measure was taken to make the problems as realistic as possible of the new members of the regiment. During the night training, ‘artificial moonlight’ was used. Anti tank …training was begun with the rocket launcher, better known as the ‘bazooka’.”
I encourage you now to read the three accounts included in this website of the battle of Utweiler where Hubie lost his life. I would start with Professor Reitan’s story, as it is well written. Then I would suggest Robert Cook’s memories of the Utweiler battle, who was also in F company with Hubie. Finally I would read the 7th army history, pages 235– 240. It is more detailed and factual, and does mention Hubie by name. It is a fascinating story and it appears that Hubie lost his life in one of the worst battles in which the 7th Army participated. He and his F company attempted to arrive in Utweiler after crossing a German mine field, that was supposed to have been cleared. A number of Hubie’s fellow soldiers lost their lives in the mine field. From the military records, Hubie was hit by German artillery fire, and died on the battlefield, most likely in the village of Utweiler on March 15, 1945. He was buried initially in St. Avold Cemetery, France, Plot 1, row 11 grave 1284 before being transferred back to Freistatt’s Trinity Lutheran Cemetery where he now rests.
Excerpts from 3rd Division, 7th Infantry Regiment History
At about 0730 on March 15, 1945 in Uweiler, Germany, the enemy directed flak wagon fire and fire from self-propelled guns at the Second Battalion forces and then at about 0800 closed in on the town with a combination of four flak wagons and nine tanks and tank destroyers, which included two "Tigers". It was a tough situation to be in without support of any kind. Attached armor had not gotten through to the battalion and without communication, artillery could not be called into play. That was the fundamental reason for the almost complete destruction of Lieutenant Colonel Duncan's battalion that day,
The Second Battalion had gone into the night attack with 640 officers and men and in the space of several hours had been reduced to 184 scattered and ineffective personnel. Records compiled later showed that of the 456 personnel missing, 21 had been killed in the action, 72 wounded and evacuated, 17 missing and 222 had been taken prisoners by the enemy. "Fox" Company had sustained the greatest losses. Captain Earl E. Swanson, one of the ablest company commanders to lead a "Cotton Baler" rifle company during this war and who had risen from the grade of private, and First Lieutenant Robert W. Rankin, with thirteen of their men, gave their lives by the mines or exploding enemy shells.
Excerpts from Bob Cook's book "Just a Dog Face Soldier"
As I remember, we started about 3 a.m. and were held up for awhile because of the minefield, which had not been cleared and marked as it was supposed to be. Somehow, many of us made it through the minefield, mortar fire, and artillery fire and into Utweiler. I didn't know Capt. Swanson, our CO or Lt. Rankin, our Platoon Leader, very well, but it was really sad that they didn't make it. Both were good officers and both were killed in the minefield. There were 8 or 10 of us who ended up in a church with our squad leader, Sgt. Jacob Cohen. We soon began receiving rifle and tank fire and one tank shell actually came in a window and ended up on the floor - a DUD! One of the guys, Radford Arms, a tobacco-chewing Southerner, said later after seeing the dud, "I dang near swallered my tabacca!" In the church with us, were 4 or 5 German prisoners, including several that were wounded who had been attended to by one of our guys.
About 11 AM when I was at a window firing at a German coming around a nearby building, Sgt. Cohen yelled at me, "Stop shooting-we're going to have to surrender!" Now I had many thoughts about getting wounded or killed, but never about surrendering. One of the Germans indicated that he would go to the entrance and signal the Jerries that we were giving up. As he stepped outside, we heard a burp gun open up and the poor fellow was killed on the spot by one of his own.
Shortly after, an SS officer came in with several infantrymen and he was waving a potato-masher grenade over his head and yelling, "Amerika is kaput!". He proceeded to argue with one of the German prisoners in a loud and threatening voice. Later, one of our guys who could understand German said that he wanted to kill us all, but was talked out of it by one of our prisoners who told him we had taken good care of their wounded. We were, then, marched out of town, picking up other groups from our company and battalion. A small shell fragment had hit me in my left leg as we went through the minefield but I was able to walk and I didn't want to report it for fear of having to leave the group and then not getting back with them. I still have that fragment in my leg but it doesn't bother me. We were then marched as POWs until we were liberated in the small town of Ettringen just west of Munich on April 30.
We are indebted to all the young US soldiers who gave their lives for us, but especially to Hubie. He appeared so full of life and energy and was blessed with a generous heart who clearly from his letters, was very close to all of us. We can be proud to have had such a great relative!
Dennis R. Kruse
Nephew of Uncle Hubert
August 30, 2010